Is it possible to switch employers during a PVP?

No. The PVP is linked to the sponsoring employer and to the particular project which is described in the application. In order to be employed by a different company you have to cancel the existing pass, leave Singapore and get the new employer to apply to issue a new PVP.

May my family travel with me as Dependant Pass (DP)?

Regrettably, the PVP does not allow the eligibility of Dependant Passes. The family members would have to come in as regular Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) tourists, and each would have to meet their own visa needs.

Does the S 5,000 security bond need to be obtained?

It relies on the "Risk Assessment" of the application which contains the nationality of the candidate and the history of the sponsor. The application will notify your local HR or PRO whether the bond is required or not.

Singapore Professional Visit Pass (PVP): The Ultimate Guide for Expats 2026

Do you work as a world expert, technical expert or researcher whose mission in the Lion City is high impact? In 2026, the ministry of manpower (MOM) of Singapore has made a relatively stricter structure and made niche talent its focus rather than labour in general. When you are visiting Singapore because you have a specific project to undertake, then probably you will be required to use Professional Visit Pass (PVP).

The PVP is also used with sprint assignments as opposed to long-term residency as compared to the standard Employment Pass (EP). However, do not be misled by the brevity of it, the 2026 compliance environment is stringent. In this guide the new 8 week standard processing 8 week processing standard, the RMK-13 alignment and the way to make sure that your application does not hit a roadblock are broken down.

Short-term Assignment and Duration Knowledge of the Limits

The PVP is one of the immigration surgical tools in Singapore. It is constructed not permanently but specifically and swiftly.

Maximum Duration of Use: The PVP is limited to short-term stay. Most significantly, it is not renewable. After the 6 months (or the allowable time) your 6 months are over, you must leave the country.
Time-Bound Projects: Time-Bound Projects is a golden pass of an Installation Specialist, Project-Based Consultant, and a Technical Expert. The PVP is your ticket to town in case you are establishing a million dollar line of semiconductors or carrying out a high level audit.
PVP vs. Miscellaneous Work Pass: The frequent contention in 2026. Although the Miscellaneous Work Pass has been limited to 60 days, the PVP is the best when the assignment is between 2 and 6 months.

Singapore Professional Visit Pass (PVP): The Ultimate Guide for Expats 2026

Qualification and Area Specialization It Depends on Experience

Singapore is using the PVP in 2026 to close the gap in its Shortage Occupation List (SOL) and innovate in the strategic areas.

Niche Specialization: Generalists are unwanted. MOM seeks niche ability in areas like Green Energy (Hydrogen and Solar), Quantum Computing and Advanced Manufacturing.
Research & Academia: The PVP is the most common entry point of guest lecturers and researchers working with local giants, such as NUS, NTU or A-STAR.
Professional Training: Do you come to train training? In a case where you are a foreign expert training the local employees on the management of global proprietary systems, then the PVP is your legal mandate.
Religious and Arts Engagement :This pass also includes foreign religious workers or artists engaged in cultural work which is not included in the standard Performing Artiste work permit.

Finance and Controls 2026 Audit Trail

To ensure that the PVP is not used to circumvent local staffing requirements, the Singapore government has enhanced the transparency requirements of 2026.

Local Sponsor Requirement: You cannot self apply to a PVP. You need to be sponsored by a registered company in Singapore. It is the lawful duty of this sponsor to provide your maintenance and your ultimate repatriation.
No Salary from Singapore Source: This is a significant point of major audit in 2026. PVP holders are usually required to be on the payroll of their home country. In the event that you are employed by a Singaporean firm at a wage, MOM can divert your application to either Training Employment Pass (TEP) or a normal EP.
RMK-13 & SOL Alignment: Checking Applications are now checked on the recent labor market data. In case you are on the Shortage Occupation List, there are high chances of being approved.

Administrative Requirements 2026 Updates

Standard processing windows and electronic integration make planning more important than ever.

8-Week Processing Time: By 2026, MOM has made the processing time standard at 8 weeks. Gone are the times of 2 week approvals that are done last minute. This two-month lead time has to be included in the project milestones of businesses.
Security Bond: You may have to provide a security bond (usually S$5,000) depending on your nationality and industry of employment. This is a form of assurance that even pass conditions in the workplace will be achieved.
Digital In-Principle Approval (IPA): Your IPA letter has now become completely digital and it is connected to your SG Arrival Card (SGAC). It is advisable not to come to Singapore until such a digital connection has been established or you risk being sent back at the boundary.

FAQs

Is it possible to switch employers during a PVP?

No. The PVP is linked to the sponsoring employer and to the particular project which is described in the application. In order to be employed by a different company you have to cancel the existing pass, leave Singapore and get the new employer to apply to issue a new PVP.
May my family travel with me as Dependant Pass (DP)?

Regrettably, the PVP does not allow the eligibility of Dependant Passes. The family members would have to come in as regular Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) tourists, and each would have to meet their own visa needs.
Does the S 5,000 security bond need to be obtained?

It relies on the “Risk Assessment” of the application which contains the nationality of the candidate and the history of the sponsor. The application will notify your local HR or PRO whether the bond is required or not.

Final Thoughts

Singapore Professional Visit Pass is a high-value, flexible product that is offered to international professionals. But under the new system of 2026, where more stringent checks of Specialized Expertise and more time are required, the secret of a successful assignment lies in preparation. To make sure your home-country payroll is operational and your local sponsor is prepared to do the 8 week commitment.

Disclaimer

This paper is purely informational and educational. It is suggested that before making professional or traveling decisions, readers should check the information in a well-known source, the official Ministry of Manpower (MOM) site.